Things to do in Bielefeld

Activities, attractions and tours

Sparrenberg Castle featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and landscape views
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Sparrenberg Castle which includes heritage elements
Sparrenberg Castle featuring landscape views, a park and a city

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Top places to visit

1. Olderdissen Animal Park

Enjoy a day of family-friendly wildlife encounters at Olderdissen Animal Park (Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen). The origins of the zoo date back to 1930, when a local forester established a fawn shelter. Today it spreads across a 40-acre (16-hectare) area of the Teutoburg Forest and features meadows, ponds and woodland. Visit Olderdissen Animal Park to discover some 450 animals that represent 90 native species.
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Olderdissen Animal Park featuring forests and cuddly or friendly animals

2. Old Town Hall

Bielefeld’s Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) is a splendid building, an administrative headquarters and the seat of the city’s Lord Mayor. Set at the eastern edge of the historic center, the Old Town Hall replaced an earlier legislative office situated on the Old Market Square. Dedicate some time to studying the Old Town Hall’s range of architectural styles and artistic features.
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Old Town Hall showing a fountain and heritage architecture

3. Sparrenberg Castle

Sparrenberg Castle (Sparrenburg) commands a dominant hilltop position in central Bielefeld. Visit the castle to experience the life of the Counts of Ravensberg and medieval traditions such as jousting and minstrel shows. Sparrenberg Castle dates back to around the mid-13th century, although its current appearance was built from the 1500s and onward. Its original purpose was to protect the trade routes that once passed through Bielefeld and the encompassing Teutoburg Forest.
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Sparrenberg Castle featuring landscape views, château or palace and a city

4. Theater Bielefeld

Theater Bielefeld (Stadttheater Bielefeld) has been at the forefront of the city’s performing arts scene since its inauguration in 1904. This popular venue for cultural events is a handsome stone building that features a façade decorated with balustrades, friezes and sculpted ecclesiastical characters. Purchase tickets for a show, which could be an adaptation of a Shakespearean play, contemporary dance or philharmonic concert.
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Theater Bielefeld showing heritage architecture

5. Bielefeld Art Gallery

The Kunsthalle Bielefeld is a contemporary art museum with a focus on international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Find exhibits dedicated to paintings and sculptures in addition to a superb sculpture garden. Get insight into the worldwide modern art movement as you wander between the bright and spacious galleries of the Kunsthalle Bielefeld.
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Kunsthalle Bielefeld showing a statue or sculpture

What to do in Bielefeld

Popular places to visit

Olderdissen Animal Park featuring forests and cuddly or friendly animals

Olderdissen Animal Park

Get up close to an abundance of animal and bird species while wandering along the pathways of this zoo that is open 24 hours a day.

Olderdissen Animal Park
Old Town Hall showing a fountain and heritage architecture

Old Town Hall

This century-old building, with elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles, stands in contrast to the design of its contemporary counterpart that stands nearby.

Old Town Hall
Sparrenberg Castle featuring landscape views, château or palace and a city

Sparrenberg Castle

Capture photos of panoramic views from a watchtower, tour a maze of underground passages and be part of a medieval festival at this fortress that has a history dating back seven centuries.

Sparrenberg Castle
Theater Bielefeld showing heritage architecture

Theater Bielefeld

Enjoy an evening of superb theatrical entertainment at this century-old theater, which was once occupied by Nazi armed troops.

Theater Bielefeld
Kunsthalle Bielefeld showing a statue or sculpture

Bielefeld Art Gallery

Discover masterpieces by modern artists, such as Pablo Picasso, displayed in the halls of one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Bielefeld Art Gallery
Neustaedter Marienkirche featuring heritage elements

Neustaedter Marienkirche

One of the oldest churches in Bielefeld is instantly recognizable for its soaring twin towers, decorative 15th-century altar and concert series.

Neustaedter Marienkirche
Nicolai Church which includes outdoor art, heritage architecture and flowers

Nicolai Church

Marvel at the intricate woodcarvings that decorate the 16th-century altar of this church set in the heart of Bielefeld’s Old Town.

Nicolai Church

Schuco Arena

Catch an event at Schuco Arena during your trip to Bielefeld. Amble around the area's parks or visit its spas.

Schuco Arena

Old Market Square

You can learn about the history of Bielefeld with a stop at Old Market Square. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Old Market Square

 

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Marta Herford Museum featuring modern architecture

Herford